The Statue of Achilles at Apsley House, London
A towering bronze tribute to the Duke of Wellington’s victories, blending classical myth and British history near his famed London home.
The Statue of Achilles, also known as the Wellington Monument, is a towering bronze sculpture located near Apsley House in London. Erected in 1822 by Sir Richard Westmacott, it commemorates the Duke of Wellington’s military victories during the Napoleonic Wars. Cast from captured French cannons, this 5.5-meter-high nude statue of Achilles stands as a striking tribute to martial prowess and British patriotism, famously funded by the Ladies of England.
A brief summary to Statue of Achilles
- Apsley House, 149 Piccadilly, London, W1J 7NT, GB
- +443000612000
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit during daylight to fully appreciate the statue’s bronze patina and detailed craftsmanship.
- Combine your visit with a tour of Apsley House to explore the Duke of Wellington’s historic London residence.
- Look for the fig leaf on Achilles, a famous addition made after initial public controversy over the statue’s nudity.
- Enjoy the surrounding Hyde Park area for a scenic walk that contextualizes the statue within Regency London’s grand landscape.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
Getting There
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London Underground
Take the London Underground to Hyde Park Corner station on the Piccadilly line, approximately a 5-10 minute walk to the statue near Apsley House. The station is well-served and accessible, with regular trains running every few minutes. A single journey costs around £3.30 with an Oyster or contactless card.
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Bus
Several bus routes, including numbers 9, 14, and 19, stop near Hyde Park Corner. Buses run frequently throughout the day with a journey time of 15-25 minutes from central London locations. Contactless payment is accepted, with fares around £1.75 per trip.
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Taxi or Ride-Hailing
A taxi or ride-hailing service can bring you directly to Apsley House or the statue, with journey times from central London typically 10-20 minutes depending on traffic. Expect fares in the range of £10-£20.
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Walking
If you are staying nearby, walking is a pleasant option through the historic streets of central London. The terrain is flat and suitable for most visitors, with an estimated walking time of 15-30 minutes from Piccadilly Circus.
Statue of Achilles location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Statue of Achilles
A Symbol of Military Triumph and National Pride
The Statue of Achilles, positioned near Apsley House at Hyde Park Corner, is a monumental bronze sculpture honoring Arthur Wellesley, the 1st Duke of Wellington. Unveiled in 1822, it was created by Sir Richard Westmacott and funded through a subscription organized by the patriotic Ladies of England. The statue commemorates Wellington’s decisive victories against Napoleon during the Napoleonic Wars, symbolizing British resilience and military success. Cast from melted French cannons seized in battles such as Salamanca, Vittoria, Toulouse, and Waterloo, the statue’s very material embodies conquest and triumph.Artistic Features and Controversy
Standing approximately 5.5 meters tall, the statue depicts Achilles nude except for a fig leaf, a detail added shortly after its unveiling due to public controversy. It was the first nude statue publicly displayed in London since Roman times, provoking debate about propriety and art. The statue’s head is said to be modeled on the Duke of Wellington himself, blending classical mythology with contemporary homage. Its imposing presence is enhanced by the solid granite plinth and the black patination of the bronze, creating a striking visual landmark adjacent to the grand Apsley House.Context within Regency London and Apsley House
Apsley House, the Duke’s London residence known as “Number One, London,” stands close by on Piccadilly. The statue forms part of a broader commemorative landscape celebrating Wellington’s legacy, including the Wellington Arch and Hyde Park’s decorative screens. The house itself, designed by Robert Adam and later expanded by Benjamin Dean Wyatt, reflects Regency elegance and the Duke’s elevated social and political status. Together, the house and statue create a powerful narrative of British aristocracy, military achievement, and national identity.Historical Anecdotes and Cultural Impact
The statue’s unveiling stirred public fascination and criticism, with stories of the fig leaf’s removal and replacement becoming part of London lore. Its bold nudity challenged Victorian sensibilities, while its artistic merit aligned with the era’s aesthetic values. Literary connections, such as parallels drawn between the statue and Oscar Wilde’s "The Picture of Dorian Gray," highlight its cultural resonance beyond mere monumentality. The statue remains a unique blend of art, history, and myth, inviting reflection on heroism and the enduring power of public memorials.Preservation and Visitor Experience
Today, the statue is a listed historic monument, carefully preserved as part of London’s heritage. Visitors approaching Apsley House and Hyde Park Corner encounter this imposing figure, which continues to evoke the grandeur and complexities of early 19th-century Britain. Its dramatic scale and rich symbolism make it a compelling stop for those interested in military history, art, and London’s urban development during the Regency period.Legacy of the Duke and the Statue’s Place in London
The Statue of Achilles immortalizes the Duke of Wellington’s role as a military hero and statesman. Positioned near his historic London home, it anchors a landscape of remembrance that includes other iconic landmarks. The statue’s presence underscores the fusion of personal legacy and national memory, serving as a reminder of Britain’s past conflicts and victories, and the ways art and monumentality shape public history.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Bond St
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Scenic
- Unique
- Tranquil
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Neoclassical
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
